A shameless cowboy clamper who fleeced drivers out of hundreds of pounds has received his comeuppance in the courts.

Brazen Jade Sweeney, of Matlock Crescent, South Oxhey, was ordered to pay £12,000 after he forced motorists to pay bogus and illegal fees after seizing their vehicles.

Harrow Crown Court heard how Sweeney, 33, laid in wait for his victims at two sites in the town before demanding nearly £500 in release fees.

During a two-day trial, the court heard that the crook’s normal “legal” fee for unclamping was £130.

On the two occasions in question, however, he padded-out his bill with bogus “illegal” extra costs including a tow-truck removal fee of £250, a call-out fee of £60 and a storage fee of £40.

These, he demanded, had to be paid in cash.

His victims, mother Anjula Shah and Norman Tate, both gave evidence at the trial.

Mrs Shah was snared after leaving her vehicle in the car park of the now-derelict Matrix pub, in Alexandra Avenue, Rayners Lane, while she visited a nearby toy shop. She was forced to visit a nearby pub to claim cash-back on her credit card.

Mr Tate parked at the Sam Maguire pub, in High Street, Wealdstone, to use a car wash based at the site. He was clamped after briefly leaving his vehicle to use a cash machine.

Sweeney, who remains registered with industry watchdog the Security Industries Authority (SIA), insisted his actions were within the law and claimed that he adhered to the organisation’s guidelines.

The jury, however, disagreed.

Sweeney, who traded as Safe Guard Security from a Watford PO Box address, was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay a further £6,619 in costs. He went on to admit four other offences under the Business Names Act relating to his failure to give full details of his company.

His victims were compensated in full.

Bill Bilon, head of Brent and Harrow Trading Standards – which brought the case under the Consumer Protection Act – described the charges as “a complete rip-off”.

He said: “This hefty fine should serve as notice that we will come down hard on cowboy clampers. They may make a quick buck but they can expect to lose it in the courts.”

One thing Sweeney may not lose, however, is his clamping licence.

SIA spokesman Robert Buxton, of the SIA, said Sweeney, who holds a valid licence until next year, would not necessarily have it revoked. Licences are only revoked, he explained, when offences complained of would preclude an applicant from being granted one in the first place.

These offences include violence and dishonesty – but not necessarily offences under the Consumer Protection or Business Names Act.

Mr Buxton said the organisation would examine Sweeney’s case further before reaching a decision. In the meantime he is free to resume his business.

As a sole trader, Sweeney is expected to declare his earnings by self assessment. The details of his conviction have now been passed to the Inland Revenue for further investigation.

Despite the attempts of the Watford Observer to contact him, Jade Sweeney was unavailable for comment.